cycling
17. Februar, 17:26 Uhr
I rented a bike at the end of last month while on a work trip to San Francisco. I'm from NY, and could not pass up a chance to ride in January. It was a Specialized Allez, aluminum, Sora components, and overall a pretty nice fit, and they were nice enough to throw some pedals on it for me, as I had brought my shoes. I had a pack with stuff for the day which included food, water, street clothes and a heavy Kryptonite lock they made me take. The ride was supposed to be 40 miles, with less than 1500 feet of climbing - essentially up the shoreline on bike paths, across the Golden Gate, up a decent hill from sea level, down into the Muir Woods valley, and back. The ride up to and across the bridge was straightforward, scenic as hell, not fast (lots of pedestrians) but still - no complaints! It's the Golden Gate Bridge! Little did I know that it would be a VERY long time before I'd see this bridge again.
They have an extensive network of bike trails, and great bike lanes. Got a bit off track, but a local rider got me back on the right road and advised me what route to take. I have this habit of nodding my head and agreeing even though I may be a few clicks short of fully comprehending directions. His advice was spot on, until I hit a detour. Lots of rain messed up Route 1, and I had to climb quit a bit more, exiting in a different spot. Roads don't seem to have straightforward names and/or frequent signage out there, and are massively twisty. At times, it's tough to know what direction you're heading. (Let the record show that Strava paused somehow, probably when I used Google Maps, and cheated me out of about 5 miles and 700 feet of elevation at this point). No worries - I see the signs for Muir Woods, my destination. I start a fast, twisting descent with lots of cars and rough pavement. Oops! This is the road the rider guy told me to NOT take. Well, too late. I survive some close calls, one being a Prius half way in in my lane head on after rounding a blind curve. Reaching the bottom, I was in Muir Woods. Redwoods. Spectacular. Epic. Maybe a touch cold and damp for my sweat soaked gear.
After checking the woods out for 1/2 hour, it was time to head back. I forgot to mention on my way down the rough road earlier, I had seen only one guy ascending on a bike. His face and body language, as he battled the inclines and cars, indicated that he was in a place worse than hell. No way was I going out the same way I went in. The bike shop guy had told me there was an easier way out, and I had it on this glossy touristy map. Out I went, leaving traffic and crappy pavement behind. It was nice to be in the sunshine, even though this was a long climb. I was alone on the Panoramic Highway. No bikes, cars, or anyone came by for a long time. Highway 1, back to Sauaslito was not far, and I knew this because my map said so. Keep in mind, as you wind your way up these hills, you can't see anything. No Golden Gate Bridge, city, bay, ocean, or other landmarks are there to help cross check. You really can't even tell how much more climbing you have to do. You just have to trust they'll end eventually, you'll see a landmark, and all will be fine.
After reaching the top, it was difficult to see much, but the road became instantly epic - no cars, smooth, wide, and a coastline view with waves breaking hundreds of feet below. Wait. Crap! - why is the coast on my left? Why can't I see SF, the Golden Gate, Bay Bridge or anything? I knew the road looped, and it was so amazing, there was no chance I'd be going back. Several miles ahead, a construction worker confirmed Route 1 was ahead. He smiled, barely, and said "You've got a bit of a ride ahead of you!" A combination of thrill, from the epicness of the road, and a bit of fear crept into my emotions. I was still headed North, after all. I really needed South. Hell, even East. West was a big, huge ocean. I really felt the full 3000 miles from home. It was such an amazing road in every way. A right turn finally appeared, and a rider in a full Strava kit also appeared. I flagged him down, asking about the best way back to SF. He said "You can climb it all at once this way in about 20 minutes, or a bit more, or go back." I wasn't going back. I followed Strava guy for a while up a winding, slow killer, 6-10% grade. Then the trees appeared. Huge old growth pines and Sequoias, unspoiled, in all their splendor towered over the road, blocking the sun. Then my sweat soaked gear hit the cold, damp woods air.
I was climbing up a valley in Mount Tamalpais park, specifically up Mt. Tamalpais itself. I needed some Cliff blocks. I needed a lot more more Cliff blocks. My water was low. My phone was almost dead. Turn after turn after turn, the climb would not quit. The epic trees prevent you from seeing how much longer the road winds ahead of you, not to mention the summit. A guy on a dual sport KTM passed me, and I could hear his bike making turn after turn WAY up the hill. All I could do is push pedals. Eventually, I see sunlight, and after another 10 minutes of furious peddling I, broke through the trees at the peak, completely fried. My clothes were more soaked, and while happy to be headed downhill, it was freezing. My hands were numb. Cold water on the road sprayed up on me, adding insult to injury. After the descent, Yes! The signs for Muir Woods! EPIC! Retracing the route back was easy. Once in Sausalito, I knew I'd be fine, because I could see soccer moms on rented bikes in sweatshirts riding my same direction.
I stopped to eat every last Cliff block and drink my last water. Only 10 miles were left at sea level. I could now see the most welcome sight possible - the Golden Gate! One last climb would get me up the hill from the sea level bike path to the bridge deck. I stood out of my saddle in triumph, using every last reserve to hit the final climb in style! Agggh! Debilitating cramp in my left quad! I had to jump off the bike and stand in agony until it stopped. Well, 34-32 it is, then. I inched my way up to the bridge fully seated, humility intact. As soon as I got on the pedestrian walkway, I may or may not have kissed my hand and touched the red steel. I also may have cried. But that could easily have just been sweat. TL;DR
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